Protecting Washington Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 584 Washington seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $179.7 million statewide. Tech support scams are among the most common and devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. This guide will help you recognize, avoid, and report tech support scams.
Why Washington Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Washington has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Tech-hub overconfidence: Washington’s tech culture can make seniors feel “too savvy” to be scammed, which scammers exploit
- Rural eastern Washington: East of the Cascades, Washington is vast and rural with limited access to services and broadband
- High wealth concentration: The Seattle metro’s tech wealth creates affluent retirees who are prime targets for investment scams
- Military communities: Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Station Kitsap bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Rainy winters: Western Washington’s long, dark, rainy season keeps seniors indoors and online for extended periods
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Washington (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 444 | $9.8M | — |
| 2022 | 537 | $22.4M | +130% |
| 2023 | 509 | $19.2M | -14% |
| 2024 | 491 | $16.7M | -13% |
| 2025 | 584 | $23.8M | +43% |
| 5-Year Total | 2,565 | $91.9M | +144% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Washington residents aged 60 and older.
Washington ranks #13 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $23.8 million lost in 2025 across 584 reported victims. That represents 2.2% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +43% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Washington grew +144%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Tech Support Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Tech Support Scams in Washington
- Office of the Washington Attorney General: (360) 753-6200 | atg.wa.gov
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from tech support scams:
→ Start Tech Support Scam Awareness Training (Module 2)